LitFest Gala

PEN America’s 2018 LitFest Gala was held on Friday, November 2, 2018, in Beverly Hills, CA. Guests were inspired by Ai Weiwei, Barry Jenkins, Marti Noxon and Gillian Flynn, Marvin Putnam, the 2018 Literary Award—Los Angeles Winners, and the strength of our community. This year’s Litfest Gala was the most successful on record and raised funds for local and national initiatives.

The PEN America LitFest Gala is a highlight of the Los Angeles literary and social calendars, with over 500 guests and an impressive group of leading writers and creatives who sit among them as Literary Hosts.

Now in its 28th year, PEN America’s LitFest Gala is a celebration of free expression and the literary arts. Each year, the event brings together impassioned tributes, conversation, and levity before an esteemed audience of authors, screenwriters, producers, showrunners, executives, philanthropists, actors, and devotees of the written word who share a commitment to the robust defense of creative freedom in Los Angeles and around the world.

Proceeds from PEN America’s LitFest Gala support initiatives including: advocacy for writers, journalists, and artists threatened or imprisoned worldwide; landmark research that addresses critical free speech issues; and the advancement of literary excellence and cross-cultural exchanges through hallmark initiatives, including the World Voices Festival of International Literature, PEN America’s Literary Awards, and fellowship and grants programs.